The 2005-06 All-Energy Team
by: Matt Wong


In case you're tired of talking about the MVP race, let's give some love to players who are also vital to their teams' success: energy guys.

These are the guys who major in hustle and hard work, who know their roles and who make you respect them no matter how ugly certain parts of their games might be.

Coaches, scouts and even players use the term energy guys all the time. Nets GM Ed Stefanski already has said he'll be on the lookout for these very players come draft time.

Here's our All-Energy Team:

Bobby Jackson, G, Grizzlies
He keeps going and ... OK, you know his game by now. This season, he helped fill the void when Damon Stoudamire went down for the year. But the ultimate compliment is that guys are patterning their game after him now. Said Jazz rookie Andre Owens: "I try to be like Bobby Jackson. A guy that brings defense, gets the team going and makes plays."

Manu Ginobili, G, Spurs
Name another star guard who plays like Ginobili. He hasn't been the same out-of-control-yet-somehow-still-in-control freak this season due to injuries, but Spurs coach Gregg Popovich still knows his value. "Guys that are that active make a team stay excited and stay focused," Popovich said. "So [Ginobili] is our best energy guy in that regard."

Ben Wallace, C, Pistons
His refusal to go back in the game last week is somewhat alarming, but there's still no denying Big Ben's work ethic. "He's the guy setting the screens and getting people into open spots," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said earlier this season, "but he's not getting any of the recognition or credit. His work goes largely unnoticed."

Shane Battier, F, Grizzlies
Mr. Everything is often considered the glue to the Grizz, even drawing comparisons to Ben Wallace. Said Saunders: "He is kind of like their Ben. Ben is our energy guy, and Shane is theirs."

Gerald Wallace, F, Bobcats
You don't average over two blocks and two steals per game without bringing energy on each play. Wallace has been all over the court -- and diving into the stands -- all season. Said Wolves coach Dwane Casey: "He's the heart and soul of his team with the way he plays."

The rest who don't rest:

Monta Ellis, G, Warriors
Fearless rook is one of the few Warriors worthy of wearing the lightning bolt.

Reggie Evans, F, Nuggets
Goes after the ball with such reckless abandon that he often fights his own teammates for rebounds.

Eduardo Najera, F, Nuggets
See above. Only with sharper elbows and more floor burns.

Andres Nocioni, F, Bulls
The second-year forward from Argentina is a Scott Skiles special, bringing energy even when away from Chi-town. He averages 13.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg on the road compared to 12.1 ppg and 5.7 rpg at home.

Ruben Patterson, F, Nuggets
The Nuggets are 15-9 since he and Evans came to Denver. His nickname isn't Captain Chaos for nothing.

Nate Robinson, G, Knicks
May actually have too much energy. The reigning dunk champ bounces all over the court with passion, which makes the Garden roar and Larry Brown shake his head.

Anderson Varejao, C, Cavs
"He gives 110 percent out there on the court and gives 175 percent energy," LeBron James said recently, which oughta make up for all the time he missed with a bum shoulder earlier in the season.

Avery Johnson, coach
The Little General didn't let up even while leading a practice session for the West squad during All-Star Weekend. That, like he often does, says a lot.

To bad we can't move Marbury and a pick for a player like Jackson, and pair him with Nate, and if Isiah had half a brain he would have signed evens for 2 million less than James, but there a reason we have 20 wins

Nate without the over the top theatrics is a pleasure to watch

I would send Francis and Lee with the Spurs pick for Smith, and then take evans at three year deal at the mid-level

Reggie Evans: Does not need to be Evanbury to play hard

why would you not give up lee for smith? thats just stupid